Cadillac’s eight-seat Escalade Hybrid uses GM’s 2-Mode Hybrid system to reduce fuel consumption yet retain the traditional capabilities of a full-size SUV. It’s available in rear- or four-wheel-drive form, and its hybrid system works with a 6.0-liter V-8 gasoline engine. Primary competitors include the related Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid.
New for 2012 Apart from some enhancements to the navigation system and more anti-theft features, there are no significant changes for 2012.
Exterior The overall shape of the Escalade Hybrid differs little from its conventional counterpart, but Cadillac has added hybrid badges to the front fenders, C-pillars and liftgate. With all that extra trim work, there won’t be any question in the minds of passers-by as to what type of vehicle you’re driving. Exterior features include:
Standard 22-inch chrome wheels
Standard power liftgate
Standard xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
Optional LED headlights
Optional power-retractable running boards
Standard rear parking sensors and backup camera
Interior The cabin is largely the same as a regular Escalade’s, but there are a few hybrid-specific features. The Escalade Hybrid’s instrument cluster gains an additional gauge that monitors the efficiency of the vehicle, and the instrument panel gets some hybrid graphics, too. The standard navigation system screen can display a graphical representation of the hybrid system and its operation. Interior features include:
Standard leather interior
Three rows of seats accommodate up to eight
Standard power front seats
Standard heated and cooled front seats
Available heated second-row outboard seats
Standard tri-zone automatic climate control
Available moonroof
Available heated and cooled cupholders
Standard USB/iPod port
Under the Hood The 2-Mode Hybrid system allows the Escalade Hybrid to accelerate from a stop and cruise at slow speeds on electric power alone. When more power is needed, the gas engine will kick on to provide supplementary power. Like most hybrids, the Escalade Hybrid captures energy during braking and stores it in the hybrid battery pack for later use. Free scheduled maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles is included. Mechanical features include:
332-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-8 engine
Engine uses regular gas
Automatic transmission incorporates two electric motors
Standard Magnetic Ride Control replaces mechanical shock absorbers with electronically controlled shocks that GM says react to the road more quickly
5,800-pound (2WD) or 5,600-pound (4WD) towing capacity
Safety Standard safety features include:
Antilock brakes
Electronic stability system with rollover-mitigation technology
